Russians Secure Orders for 52 Mi-171s, 18 Ka-226s

By Staff Writer | September 12, 2012

Attack, Utility

Russian Helicopters has agreed to facilitate major fleet upgrades for two operators—Poly Technologies of China, which purchased 52 Mi-171Es, and NefteGazAeroCosmos, which will take delivery of 18 light Ka-226TGs for utility work in Russia. The manufacturer has also formed a partnership with Ramenskoye Design Co. (RDC), which will supply avionics for the Ka-52 Alligator.

Under the contract with Poly Technologies, Rosoboronexport will hand over the initial Mi-171Es before the end of 2012, with the remaining 44 scheduled in 2013 and 2014. The helicopters will come equipped with Klimov VK-2500-03 engines, SAFIR 5K/G MI auxiliary power units and enhanced transmission systems designed for higher altitude operations. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant will produce the 52 aircraft. This isn’t the first time the two companies have worked together, as Poly Technologies placed an order in 2009 for 32 Mi-171Es.

Russian Mi-171E.Photo courtesy Russian Helicopters.

The NefteGazAeroCosmos research and production center will receive the first six Ka-226TGs in 2013, with the remaining dozen scheduled for arrival in 2014. The helicopters will feature KBO-226TG avionics and other equipment designed to assist with long-distance operations in limited visibility and night conditions. The Ka-226s will also feature additional fuel tanks for two Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 engines. Gazprom Avia will operate the helicopters along natural gas pipelines in service with Russian oil producer Gazprom, conducting repair work, cargo transportation and passenger movements. The Ka-226TG can carry up to eight people, including one pilot.

The first portion of the seven-year contract with Ramenskoye Design covers avionics packages for the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator starting in 2013 and running until 2020. The companies have also established a framework agreement to modernize the pilot and navigation systems on the Ka-27, Ka-27PS and Ka-29. RDC will replace existing analog equipment with glass cockpits including multi-function LCD screens. Systems for the Ka-27, Ka-29, Ka-28M and Ka-31M will be built around an update of the avionics used in the Ka-52 Alligator and Ka-31.